14
USING THE GENERATOR
WARNING: When this generator is used on a building’s wiring system, the generator must be installed by a qual-
ified electrician and connected to a transfer switch as a separately derived system in accordance with the National
Electrical Code, NFPA 70. The generator shall be connected to a transfer switch that switches all conductors
other than the equipment grounding conductor. The frame of the generator shall be connected to an approved
grounding electrode.
For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the
home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or
stressing the machine’s components, possibly leading to a generator failure.
Before connecting electrical devices, allow the generator to run for a few minutes to stabilize the speed and voltage
output.
CAUTION: Become familiar with the markings on the panel before connecting electrical devices.
Connect electrical devices running on AC current according to their wattage requirements. The chart in Figure 6
shows the rated and surge wattage of the generator.
The rated (running) wattage is the wattage the generator can produce on a continuous basis.
The surge wattage is the maximum amount of power the generator can produce for an extremely short period of
time (seconds). Many electrical devices such as refrigerators require short bursts of extra power in addition to the
rated wattage listed by the device to start their motors. The surge wattage ability of the generator covers this extra
power requirement.
Item
Rated (Running) Wattage
Surge Wattage
56200i
1600
2000
Figure 6 - Generator Wattage
The total running wattage requirement of the electrical devices connected to the generator should not exceed the
rated wattage of the generator itself. To calculate the total wattage requirement of the electrical devices you plan
to connect, find the rated (or running) wattage of each device. This number should be listed somewhere on the
device or in its instruction manual. If this wattage cannot be found, calculate it by multiplying the Voltage require-
ment by the Amperage drawn:
Watts = Volts x Amperes
If these specifications are not available, estimate the watts requirement of the device by using the chart in Figure 7.
When the rated wattage requirement of each electrical device has been determined, add these numbers to find
the total rated wattage needed. If this number exceeds the rated wattage of the generator, DO NOT connect all
these devices. Select a combination of electrical devices, which have a total rated wattage lower than or equal to
the rated wattage of the generator.
